I have been spending the last week starting my spring cleaning routine throughout my house. This weekend was extremely nice outside, so while my husband did some yard work, I took spring cleaning to our vehicles, as well as my Mom’s. The cars needed cleaned out, washed and freshened up. A new part of our car spring cleaning routine includes changing the cabin air filter.
We moved into our house just over a year ago. I thought that starting with all white walls and a blank slate would make decorating the house easier. Well, I was wrong. More wrong that I ever thought I would be. We purchased all new furniture and painted the living room almost immediately. It still took us a few months to start hanging pictures and decor on the walls. Next we painted the laundry room and then it took almost a year to decide on a paint color for the kitchen (we still have yet to agree on back splash tiles). Last week we finally painted the dining room and hung up some artwork (my favorite room so far because we painted it dark red with a wine theme). So on the main floor, that leaves the office and the entryway. I have been really trying to kick it in high gear to get the office project started because I work on the computer every day, so I want the room to be inviting and inspiring. It is also the first room you see when you come into our house.
Clean. Clean. Clean. Some days I feel like all I do is clean. With three little ones, the floors seem to get dirty in the blink of an eye and If I don’t vacuum or sweep it up right away, my 11 month old will find every little crumb or the tiniest piece of paper on the floor and try to eat it. I end up vacuuming at least three or four times a week and sweeping numerous times a day. Right now with all the Christmas decorations, I have been vacuuming more than usual because of the tree, garland and glitter from decorations that seem to get everywhere. My old vacuum couldn’t even get all the glitter out of the carpet and I have tried to vacuum it up at least ten times. But I finally have a vacuum that got it up and makes all the floor cleaning easier: The Panasonic Jetforce Vacuum MC-UL427.
No matter what season it is or holiday is approaching, I frequently shop at Hallmark. I know a lot of people just think of greeting cards when they hear ‘Hallmark’, but it is much more than that. From books to movies and ornaments to games, they have something for everyone. When the holidays roll around, you can find products to create new memories, traditions and warm that special someone’s heart. My Holiday Gift Guide would not be complete without some wonderful products from Hallmark.
The holiday season is always accompanied by a lot of parties, gatherings and dinners. We are always hosting numerous gatherings at our house and the holidays are exceptionally hectic. It is always a great time, but with every party comes lots of food, trash and messes. I try to handle the mess throughout the party and stay one step ahead before it gets out of control. Here are a few ways I prevent a huge mess at the end of the night:
The Glad Black Bags have been a huge help for me lately. We haven’t hosted any parties the last week or two, but I have been using them to put my full kitchen trash bags in. The last time we bought 13 gallon bags for the kitchen, we decided to try to generic brand. Bad idea. I never imaged the quality would be as poor as they are. Every time I try to take a full bag out, the drawstrings tear the bag, rips off, and I discover holes and tears in the bag. To get the full and destroyed bags to the garage, I have been putting them in the Glad ForceFlex Black Bags. The 30 gallon bags easily hold two fully-stuffed kitchen trash bags (pictured above). They are very heavy-duty and the ForceFlex prevents any rips and tears. I have never had one rip, no matter how full and heavy the bag was. This week is the start of a busy stressful holiday season and Glad Black Bags have given me one less thing to worry about, eliminating the stress of the mess.
Glad has partnered with the one and only Tori Spelling to host OMG Extra: After the Wild Life, a cute and fun Facebook series featuring loveable, messy animals. While you are there, play ‘Missing in the Mess’ and find the differences in messy pictures. ‘Like’ Glad on Facebook and starting watching the hilarious videos.
“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Glad. I received products to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.”
When it comes to stocking stuffers, I like to include small items that are practical and aren’t toys or candy. I pick things that are used year-round, promote good health and not just for kids. This year, I will be including some BAND-AID and Neosporin Lip Health products in my family’s stockings.
With two boys that think they are indestructible, bumps, bruises and cuts are inevitable. I keep a first-aid kit on hand and it is always stocked with BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages. They have new QUILTVENT technology that creates air channels to allow the wound to breathe. The waterproof tough strips are flexible and stay adhered during all my daily activities. I had to use one on my finger and I was still able to bend it and had no issues working with my hands throughout the day. When it came time to remove the bandage (which I dread doing), it was painless and effortless.
For the kids, we have cute and fun Muppet bandages. The package includes various designs and assorted sizes. The bandages are plastic and flexible allowing them to stay in place when applied. My three year old is not happy when he has to wear a BAND-AID, unless it has a Muppet on it. For more kids fun, download the Band-Aid Magic Vision app (free) and bring the Muppets to life with interactive fun by scanning the bandages.
Aside from bandages, BAND-AID offers other great products. I can’t count how many times I have worn new or uncomfortable (but cute) shoes and have gotten blisters on my feet. I use to put a BAND-AID on my ankle or foot to prevent blisters, but that normally didn’t last long and they would just rub off. Now, I just use the BAND-AID Friction Block Stick to prevent the blisters. It has a lubricating formula that instantly reduces rubbing on the skin. It is easy to apply, invisible and not greasy. The size is perfect to keep in my purse for fast and convenient applications. This is one product I wish I had when I wore heels everyday.
For the latest products, coupons, offers and updates be sure to visit BAND-AID.com.
With the cold weather comes dry skin and chapped lips. Neosporin has a few products in their Lip Health line that protects lips from the winter chill and make for great stocking stuffers. The Daily Hydration Therapy is for daytime use and has SPF 20 to protect your lips from the sun as well as the cold. The Overnight Renewal Therapy helps restore your lips and make them softer and healthier as you sleep. The daytime cream is lightweight and brings comfort to dry lips. The overnight cream is a little thicker and really hydrates the lips. Neither are greasy. The pair of products assure visibly healthier lips after 3 days and I can attest to that. They are a new must-have in my house.
For the latest products, coupons, offers and updates be sure to visit NeoLips.com.
Disclosure – I received the named product at no cost to conduct this review and was in no other way compensated. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.